4th Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Operations Cell

The passing of the unit colors to signify the transfer of command from Lt. Col. Joshua Walker to Rose was officiated by Col. George K. Thiebes, 10th SFG(A) commander.

“Before you, in the formation on the field, stands a unit that has been recognized at our highest military and political levels for its stellar execution of a wide range of special operations tasks and missions around the world in support of our national interests,” said Thiebes. “Today, I have the honor to not only recognize two extraordinary leaders, but also to acknowledge the amazing, daily contributions of the Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).”

Walker thanked the Soldiers, NCOs, warrant officers and officers of the battalion for the privilege of serving them over the past two years.

“These Soldiers have deployed and worked in the most austere and unforgiving environments and found ways to achieve operational success where no clear path exists,” said Walker.

He also thanked the Families and spouses of 4th Battalion for their unwavering dedication and support to their Soldiers and fellow Families.

“When I refer to our battalion as ‘the family business,’ I believe it truly is one,” Walker said.

During his time in command, Walker led deployments to Djibouti, East Africa, in 2012 and 2013, serving as the commander of Special Operations Command and Control Element-Horn of Africa. He also oversaw his battalion’s numerous deployments to west and central Africa, in addition to exercises with partner forces throughout Europe.

Thiebes praised Walker’s ability to provide direction and guidance to his battalion across three continents and during constant deployments.

“Josh, your leadership and creativity made it possible to sustain continuous, uninterrupted execution of Group assigned missions,” said Thiebes. “Your leadership and high standards will be remembered long after your departure.”

Thiebes also thanked his wife, Shelly Walker, for her support and advocacy for the battalion’s Family readiness groups and Soldiers’ Families.

“Shelly, you have been an invaluable member of our 10th Group team, providing support to our Soldiers and their Families,” he added.

Rose is no stranger to 10th SFG(A) having been assigned to 1st Battalion in Germany, where he served as company executive officer, Special Forces Operational Detachment – Alpha commander, and commander of the Headquarters Support Company.

“We’re getting back to our roots. Our lineage as Special Forces dates back to the OSS in World War II, throughout the Cold War and most recently fighting extremism in Afghanistan, Iraq and other dark corners of the world,” said Rose. “Our new singular and intensive focus on unconventional warfare will allow us to shape the future, manage conflict and, when necessary, set the conditions to win our nation’s wars.

“Our professionalism, trustworthiness and expertise in insurgency and counterinsurgency will allow us to expertly navigate and influence the complexities of the human domain,” he added. “I’m excited to be a part of it with you.”

The 10th SFG(A) is the oldest U.S. Army Special Forces Group with an official lineage and colors dating to the creation of the First Special Service Force in 1942, a combined U.S. and Canadian Army force, intended to conduct winter commando-type operations in Europe. The Group was officially established in June 1952 to conduct partisan warfare behind enemy lines in the event of a Soviet invasion of Europe. The 4th Battalion is the newest battalion established in the group and has proven itself a strategic force multiplier across multiple continents.